Schaeffler Group has appointed Dharmesh Arora, a highly experienced professional in the automotive field, as the new President & CEO for its operations in India. He assumes responsibility for all the three Group companies represented by the INA, LuK and FAG brands and additionally the role of Chairman of INA Bearings India Private Limited. Mr. Arora joined the company in August 2012.

Mr. Arora, who brings with him over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, started his career at Maruti Suzuki and thereafter held several management positions at General Motors in India, Mexico, Thailand and USA. Prior to joining Schaeffler, he was the Global Purchasing Director Powertrain at General Motors LLC, Michigan, USA.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Arora on board as the new head of our Indian operations. I am sure that with his global expertise and management experience he will lead Schaeffler India, with our three brands – INA, LuK and FAG – to the next level of growth and customer proximity,” said Dr. Juergen M. Geissinger, CEO Schaeffler AG, while introducing Mr. Arora. “I am confident that under his able guidance, Mr. Arora will build on Schaeffler’s successful legacy of over five decades in the Indian market,” he added.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. Arora said: “I am honored and excited to lead this dynamic and successful organization in India. I believe we are at an important turning point in one of Schaeffler’s most strategically important growth markets. I am looking forward to working closely with our customers to address the challenges of efficiency, sustainability and affordability in the Indian automotive and industrial sectors.”

In India, for India: Planned Investment of 150 million Euros
Earlier this year Schaeffler announced planned investments of 150 million Euros (Rs. 1050 crores) in India over the next three to four years for expanding existing plants at Pune, Hosur and Vadodara – besides building green field plant at Savli, near Vadodara. “These investments are in line with our strategy to strengthen Schaeffler’s manufacturing footprint in India as well as continuous development of R&D and advanced engineering capability,” said Dr. Geissinger while elaborating the company’s customer-focused growth approach - “in the region, for the region”.

More than half of the investments are now realized with the inauguration of the green field Savli plant and the new line at Hosur this week. The Savli plant manufactures Schaeffler’s most advanced low-friction deep groove ball bearings and large-sized bearings for diverse sectors such as wind energy, heavy industries and railways. The new line in Hosur produces state-of-the-art hydraulic clutch release systems that offer benefits of lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels and improved drivability while improving fuel economy.

“We are also making significant investments in R&D and engineering capabilities by adopting frugal engineering to introduce advanced products, systems and solutions customized for the Indian market. Competence built up in product development and testing capabilities will support in bringing latest technologies for engines, transmission and chassis for our automotive customers and adapting our global range of diverse bearing solutions for our industrial customers,” added Arora commenting on the company’s growth strategy.

India specific innovations for Cars and Motorcycles
Innovation and creativity are at the core of Schaeffler’s growth strategy and the company is among the innovation leaders in industry with around 1,800 patent registrations annually. At the New Delhi Auto Expo in January 2012, Schaeffler showcased customized innovations for the energy-efficient automobiles of tomorrow in India. Among the highlights of the exhibition was the concept model Schaeffler advanced Drive, which showcases a range of advanced solutions for engines, transmissions and chassis.

Schaeffler is now in the next stage of development to create a drivable concept vehicle that will be specially designed for Indian driving conditions and consumer preferences. Through this vehicle we will demonstrate that fuel economy of up to 10% combined with better comfort and driving experience is achievable by applying Schaeffler technology solutions for engine and transmission systems. The Indian-version of the Schaeffler Concept Car will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2013.

In the two-wheeler segment, Schaeffler is working on a concept of value added products for small motorcycles with a clear focus on friction reduction. The new low friction bearings for engine and wheel are some of the major achievements to be followed by a low friction chain drive and valve train.

“The Indian concept car is meant to strike an equilibrium between elementary variables defining the technology and market expectations of an automobile / OEM maker. Similarly, with the friction reduction concept our aim is to make sure motorcycle manufacturers and end customers a like benefit from reduction of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO),” said Mr. Arora commenting on Schaeffler’s strategy to invest in the next generation of technology solutions for the Indian market.

Strong focus on core industrial segments
Schaeffler has one of the widest offerings for over 60 industrial sectors and is a globally renowned and reliable partner with a wide spectrum of bearing solutions, systems and services. Schaeffler’s offering ranges from the next generation of the conventional ball bearing to large size roller bearings; from spindle and linear bearing to direct drive systems; and also includes condition monitoring and maintenance services for the aftermarket sector.

With this portfolio Schaeffler has become a trusted partner of customers in major industrial sectors in India, including heavy industries, power transmission, machine tools, wind energy and railways. “We have a strong focus on driving innovation in the industrial segment in India by adoption of new technologies for greater efficiency. With the concept of ‘more than a simple bearing’ we are working with our customers to develop the right solution for their requirements aiming at reducing the total cost of our customer’s operations. In this context, Schaeffler focuses on the enhancement of its service portfolio in order to increase sustainability of our customer’s operations through prevention of shut downs and failures of the machines.” said Rajendra Anandpara, Managing Director of FAG Bearings India Limited.

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